Many of the traditions are inherited till today. According to the story, Chinese New Year's Day or the Spring Festival is also called "Guo Nian", which means surviving in the Nian's attack. The red becomes the most popular color for festival celebration and dressing code. Read more about How to Decorate for Chinese New Year. The Chinese character nian more usually means "year" or "new year". The earliest written sources that refer to the nian as a creature date to the early 20th century. As a result, it is unclear whether the nian creature is an authentic part of traditional folk mythology, or a part of a local oral tradition that was recorded in the early 20th During the Chinese New Year period, the married or the elderly give red envelopes to children or unmarried juniors. A red envelope is also called yasui qian ("suppressing Sui money"). According to legend, on New Year's Eve, besides the monster Nian, there was a demon named Sui that came out to terrify children while they were asleep. These practices have evolved over time, blending ancient beliefs with modern festivities, creating a rich tapestry of cultural expression during the New Year celebrations. VI. Symbolism of Nian in Chinese Culture. Nian transcends its role as a mere monster; it symbolizes the perennial themes of good fortune and renewal in Chinese culture. They realized that loud noises and the color red were Nian’s kryptonite. This is why, on New Year’s Eve, families eat dinner in their homes fortified by red decorations. At midnight, firecrackers explode. In addition, people wear new and festive red clothing to celebrate. Evil Spirits and Poetry That's why people in China believe the color red signifies luck, and why all the children and many adults shake rattles and light firecrackers and make all kinds of noise on Chinese New Year's eve. It's to scare away evil spirits, and even Nian, just in case he's still hanging around. New Year customs like setting off firecrackers and writing couplets on red paper were allegedly inspired by the legend of nian (VCG) Another version of the legend states that the monster was actually known as 夕 (xī), and nian was a minor god dispatched by the Kitchen God to deal with xi by using firecrackers and bands of red silk. From then on, on the last day of the year, people put up red couplets, hung up red lanterns, set off firecrackers, kept the lights on and stayed up late to keep safe from Nian. As time passed, this custom spread to almost every corner of China and thus developed into one of the most important festivals of Chinese people, the Lunar New Year`s Eve. The Nian is a legendary creature rooted deeply in Chinese mythology, often depicted as a fearsome beast that emerges at the dawn of the Lunar New Year. This mythical entity has become a symbol of fear and tradition, playing a pivotal role in the festivities leading to the New Year celebrations. She explained that Nian was afraid of loud noises, light and the colour red. From then on, each New Year’s Eve, the villagers wore red clothes and let off firecrackers making as much noise as possible. They decorated their homes with red paper and lit lanterns. Happily, they never saw Nian again. Chinese New Year holds deep cultural importance and is rich with symbolism. This celebration marks new beginnings and is steeped in ancient traditions that continue to shape modern observances. Cultural Importance and Traditions. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. Chinese New Year: More than Just a Celebration. Chinese New Year is a vivid and dynamic celebration, enriched by the presence of the Nian. Its legend serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of the community. So, as we welcome the Chinese New Year, remember the Nian, and the customs formed to keep this fearsome beast at bay. According to chinesenewyear.net, 2025 is the Ben Ming Nian for those born in a snake year. A Ben Ming Nian year is one that is traditionally believed to bring bad luck because of a conflict with Despite this, the story of Nian has become an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations, with many people still using firecrackers and red decorations to scare away the beast. In addition to being a popular legend, the story of Nian also has a deeper meaning, representing the need for people to come together and work together to overcome According to chinesenewyear.net, 2025 is the Ben Ming Nian for those born in a snake year. A Ben Ming Nian year is one that is traditionally believed to bring bad luck because of a conflict with Chinese New Year practises. There are many Chinese traditions still being followed widely during festivals and on key occasions. During the Chinese New Year, people visit their relatives and friends, a practice likened to the New Year’s Eve celebrations on 31 December every year. Here’s how red is used liberally during the occasion. Chinese New Year is celebrated by more than 20% of the world. It’s the most important holiday in China and to Chinese people all over. Here are 21 interesting facts that you probably didn’t know about Chinese New Year. 1. Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival What are the dates of the Chinese New Year holiday in 2025? Chinese New Year 2025 begins on January 29. The official holiday period in China lasts from January 28 to February 4. This week-long break allows families time to gather and celebrate. How is Chinese New Year celebrated in Honolulu? Honolulu hosts several events for Chinese New Year. Instructions: 1. Make red bean paste.Cook red beans (in the Instant Pot or stovetop) until soft and creamy. Transfer to a food processor and pulse until pureed. Chinese people will also usually have a set of red underwear and red socks ready to put on for the lunar new year, especially if it is your Ben Ming Nian, to bind yourself to good fortune. A Note About Ben Ming Nian Gifts
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